Device for the prevention of stammering



F. J. ROGERS.

DEVICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF STAMMERING.

' APPLICATION FILED JAN-11.1917- 1,327 ,40'7, Patented Jan. 6, 1920.

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FRANK J. ROGERS, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

DEVICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF STAMMERING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 6, 1920.

Application filed January 11, 1917. Serial No. 141,750.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK J. ltoenns, a citizen of the United States,residing at Detroit, county of Wayne, State of Michigan, have invented acertain new and useful Improvement in Devices for the Prevention ofStammering, and declare the followin to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the same, such as will enable others skilled in the artto which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to a device for the stammering, and its object isa device adapted to be carried in the mouth between the lower lip andthe jaw and having the function of changing the conformation of thelower lip and placing the muscles 0 known as depressor labii inferioris,under tension thus eliminating the involuntary action of the muscles inthe spasm of stammering. A further object of the invention is a devicehaving characteristics above stated that is entirely hidden from viewwhen in use and adapted to be carried in such position as not tointerfere with articulation. These and the several objects and method ofuse of the device are more clearly described hereinafter. s

Figure 1 is a view illustrated in section of a head showing my improveddevice inserted between the lower lip and jaw.

Fig. 2 is an elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 is an edge view thereof.

Fig. 4 is a cross section taken on line m-m of Fig. 2.

Similar characters refer to similar parts throughout the drawing andspecification.

The device consists of a plate I slightly curved as indicated in Fig. 3to conform to the forward part of the lower jaw and somewhat oval incross section as shown in Fig. 4:. This plate may be of any desiredmaterial as hard rubber or such material as is used by dentists in themanufacture of plates for supporting false teeth. The size and shape ofthis plate is such as to cause the hollow portion of the forward part ofthe lower lip to protrude slightly in order that the muscles mentionedmay be placed under tension and the spasmodic action thereof reduced toa minimum or eliminated.

The plate is preferably formed with several soft rubber inserts 2extending slightly above the front and rear surfaces respectively of theplate as indicated particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, and tending to preventmovement of the device about the jaw. To a certain extent the curvedform of the plate tends to prevent relative movement thereof about thejaw and the rubber inserts areused in addition thereto for the purposestated. is is evident that the device is of such character as not to beobserved when in use and is light in weight and not inconvenient to theuser when in position.

While I have shown the device as being of peculiar shape, I do notdesire to confine.

myself particularly to the shape shown, but what I do claim and desireto secure by Letters Patent of the United States is- 1. A device for theprevention of stammering consisting of a plate of suitable materialadapted to be worn between the lower lip and jaw, the plate beingsubstantially ovate in form and curved to conform substantially to theshape ofthe forward end of the jaw at the base of the teeth, the platebeing of greatest thickness at the center to increase the tension of themuscles controlling movement of the lip and jaw, and an insert of softmaterial adapted to prevent displacement of the plate.

2. A device for the prevention of stammering consisting of a plate ofsuitable material adapted to be worn between the lower jaw and lip, theplate being curved to conform substantially to the shape of the forwardend of the jaw and being of the greatest thickness at the centertapering uniformly toward each end, and an insert of soft rubber or thelike adapted to prevent displacement of the plate.

3. A device of the character stated consisting of a plate of suitablematerial adapted to be worn between the lower jaw and lip, the plateconforming to the shape of the jaw and adapted to place the muscles ofthe lip and jaw under tension, and a plurality of inserts of softmaterial contacting the jaw and lip to frictionally hold the plate inposition.

4:. A device of the character described, consisting of a plate ofsuitable hard material conforming in shape and adapted to fit the hollowforward end of the lower jaw at the base of the teeth, the said devicebeing substantially oval in cross section at the center and taperingtoward each end, the device 5 being of a thickness to cause a slightprojection of the lower part of the lower lip and "producing a tensionof the muscles thereof, and a plurality of inserts of soft materialprojecting on each side of the device to frictionally contact the jawand the lip.

In testimony whereof, I sign this specification.

FRANK J. ROGERS.

